Texas: Dixon returns to victory ahead of McLaughlin

Scott Dixon won the 5th success of his career at Texas Motor Speedway, ahead of his compatriot, Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske), and the Mexican, Pato O' Ward (McLaren SP) of one second and 7/10ths.

Already a winner last year in Fort Worth, the reigning champion started in 3rd position and took the lead of the race on the third lap, after passing Will Power and his teammate, Alex Palou, the pole sitter.

Dixon earned the 51st victory of his career in car American - which places him a short distance behind Mario Andretti - ahead of one of his biggest admirers, the rookie Scott McLaughlin, who climbed onto the podium in his 3rd race in the series, and even stronger, at the end of his first attempt on an oval.

«I'm so proud, it was incredible to fight in the last laps with my hero»reacted the 27-year-old Kiwi.

“You’re an @IndyCar oval racer now. »

Listen to @SMclaughlin93's radio after a runner-up finish in his oval debut for @Team_Penske. pic.twitter.com/lXAk2glvIh

— IndyCar on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 2, 2021

The race has long had the appearance of a procession when only one line was passable, the fault of a painting placed last year by the NASCAR which gives grip to stock cars on the outside, but proves to be a minefield for IndyCars.

In these circumstances, the final result of the race was strongly conditioned by the yellow flag caused by Sébastien's spin. Bourdais on the 57th lap, touched by Josef Newgarden, while he was in 7th position. “In front of me Colton was a little lost, slowed down, he wanted to enter the pitlane, and Josef crashed into us for no reason» commented the Frenchman, very unhappy even though his feelings were good after laborious free practice. Logically, Newgarden was penalized for “avoidable contact”.

This neutralization following the violent spin at Manceau was particularly unfortunate for simon pagenaud, who had just passed through the pitlane. Until then 6th, he was going to drop to the back of the grid while the vast majority of his competitors had had the opportunity to refuel under the yellow flag. Poitevin would ultimately finish 10th. 

The start of the day was disrupted by rain and led to the cancellation of qualifying. The starting order was therefore determined by the championship ranking. This will also be the case on Sunday evening (23 p.m. HF) for the 2nd race of this doubleheader, of which Dixon will be the pole sitter, since his first success in nine races allows him to take the lead in the general standings. 

Discover the report of the Texas event, in issue 2310 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version and from this Wednesday on newsstands.